The Masked Ball

Cornwall had taken a battering over the winter with terrible weather conditions causing damage all around the country. Now came Cornwall's start to summer the Masked Ball had arrived with a new location a promise of more glitz and glam and a few other surprises thrown in.

Situated on top of the clifftop of Porthlevan the 7 stages offered something for everyone from live performances from Southwest favorites Dreadzone and the comical Cuban brothers to sir vinyl's dub dome pumping out tunes from 6 - 6 the choice was yours to wander this remarkable, sloped site.

With free camping on site for anyone who had a tent, it gave the whole event the real festival feel. Although only technically a 12 hour event, there was a Sunday session available as well, it really did cater for everyone from the first timers to the Ball and festival veterans.

With everyone dressed to impress in suits, dresses, crazy outfits and masks (you can't forget the masks). As the performances of the early acts such as Barons of Funk, Steve Potter, Carly Foxx and newly formed Light Knife saw the sun set into the sea making for a spectacular end to the day and an impressive welcome for the night to come. Sets by Marcus Marr, Adrian Kay, Panda and of course the live performances of Dreadzone had the crowd going through out.

As darkness was all around, the clock struck 12 in The Grand Ball Room but in this fairy tale rather than Cinderella losing her slipper from running away from the ball, she would more than likely have lost it as dance legends Groove Armada took the stage for there two hour set. These guys aren't legends for no reason they put on one of the best DJ sets I've seen with the awesome light show and smoke machines my shirt and suit jacket came off leaving me raving half naked in the middle of all these fellow crazy ravers.

With only four hours left until the sunrise and coach home at 6am, I took yet another adventure to see what was on offer and was not let down. Sir Vinyl's igloo shaped stage and a few others stages stayed open banging tunes from Jac the Disco, Godden DJ and Lee John & Haydn Jay. Just the ticket to keep everyone going.

The sky turned red over the hills and heads of all that were left, as I the coach pulled away from all those who had decided to carry on through Sunday night and Monday morning. How I wish I could have joined them, but alas I had to go feeling content after a night of wonderful clothes, people and music. I couldn't help but think "I must go again." The Halloween Masked ball will no doubt be a fantastic time and a great end to the year.

I hope to see anyone who reads this at this event, its a must do!